Sigils for use with apparel

ABSTRACT

Apparel is disclosed that can be worn to assist an interactive game in tracking the movement of the wearer. More particularly, the apparel may include one or more tracking marks formed of designs, patterns, or reflective materials that can be easily tracked by an interactive game employing one or more cameras or other detectors for detecting a change in position of an object. The apparel may take the form of, for example, hats, shirts, jackets, pants, gloves, and shoes. By providing tracking marks on apparel, rather than using a special-purpose device that must be separately worn, a player may enjoy a more natural feel when playing the interactive game. Further, the player need not don any special equipment to play the game. Instead, a user can wear the apparel for everyday purposes, and then simply begin playing the game wearing the apparel without having to put on any additional equipment. The apparel may use reflective materials, and the interactive game can employ a camera and a light source configuration where the camera is located within the observation angle of a player employing retroreflective materials reflecting light from the light source.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/626,120 filed Nov. 25, 2009, which is a continuation application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/827,989, filed on Apr. 19, 2004, nowabandoned, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/463,825 filed Apr. 17, 2003. U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/827,989 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.10/286,396, filed Oct. 30, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,206,219. Each ofthese priority applications is incorporated entirely herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the use of sigils, such as marks or devices forinteracting with an image tracking or recognition system. Variousaspects of the invention may be particularly applicable to apparelbearing sigils that can be used with interactive gaming or trainingdevices, where the operation of the device is controlled in response tothe wearer's movements. Various aspects of the invention also may beused to associate information with the wearer of apparel bearing asigil.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, the sophistication and capability of computers hassteadily increased. As they have, the number of uses of computers forboth business and recreation has increased as well. For example,computer-based virtual reality devices that provide feedback based uponthe identification of a user or the detection of a user's physicalmovements have grown in popularity. These devices (generally referred tohereafter as interactive activity devices for convenience) include, forexample, computer games. With these games, a user moves his or her ownarms, legs, head or entire body location in order to accomplish thegoals of the computer game. Interactive activity devices also includeelectronic training devices, which are used to improve desired skillsfor a wide variety of athletic activities or job tasks. For example,with some types of interactive electronic training devices, a user maypractice a particular movement of a body part and receive feedback inresponse, to indicate whether the user is moving in the desired manner.

While a number of different interactive activity devices are growing inuse, the tools employed by a user to control these devices are oftenprimitive. For example, many interactive activity devices require that auser wear an unwieldy and sometimes uncomfortable accessory that willallow the device to track the position of the user. These accessoriesmay be, for example, a belt or bands with a prominent reflective disk infront for reflecting infrared waves.

In addition to tracking a user's movement, many computers now are beingemployed to recognize images. That is, computers now are being used toidentify an image and then associate particular information with thatimage. For example, optical character recognition software candistinguish the letter “T” from the letter “q.” Based upon thisrecognition, another software program, such as a word processingprogram, can employ an ASCII value for the recognized character “T.”Still other uses of image recognition include retina pattern andfingerprint scans for personal identification, obstacle and boundaryrecognition for automobile guidance, and document watermark recognitionfor navigating a browser to an Internet site associated with thewatermark. While techniques for pattern recognition have become verysophisticated, however, pattern recognition is not typically employed insuch day-to-day activities as electronic gaming, athletics, or shopping.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Advantageously, various examples of the invention provide sigils in theform of a graphic mark or marks. Apparel with these marks can beconveniently and comfortably employed by the user of an interactiveactivity device, and yet may still accurately be detected by the device.Some examples of the invention relate to apparel displaying graphicmarks as tracking marks that can be visible tracked by an interactiveactivity device. The apparel may be convertible from one form, in whichthe tracking marks are partially or completely hidden, to another formin which the tracking marks are prominently displayed for detection byan interactive activity device. Alternately or additionally, the apparelmay include tracking marks made from material that appears highlyreflective to an interactive activity device, but which does not appearhighly reflective to a casual observer.

Other examples of the invention may include apparel with sigils in theform of electronic targets for detecting a user's movement. For example,the apparel may be footwear with an accelerometer that indicates when auser has stepped upon a surface, the degree of pressure applied by thefootwear against a surface, or both. Also, some types of electronictargets may transmit an electromagnetic signal, such as a light,infrared or ultrasound signal, to indicate their position (and thus theposition of a user's body part) to an interactive activity device. Stillfurther, some electronic targets may determine their position using, forexample, radio triangulation, and then transmit their position (and theposition of a user's body part) to an interactive activity device.

Still other embodiments of the invention may provide sigils in the formof graphic marks that can be recognized by, e.g., a computer system. Forexample, some embodiments of the invention may provide appareldisplaying graphic marks that can be recognized by an interactiveactivity device. The interactive activity device may then take someaction upon recognizing a graphic mark according to variousimplementations of the invention. Thus, if the interactive activitydevice is a game, then it may provide a player wearing apparel bearing agraphic mark with access to a game level or playing environment that isnot otherwise available. Alternately or additionally, apparel bearing agraphic mark according to the invention may be recognized by, e.g., acomputer in a retail sales location or at a sporting event. Uponrecognizing the graphic mark, the computer system may arrange for thewearer to receive a purchase credit, coupon, or other reward or prize.Further, the computer system may store information relating to thewearer in a database, and subsequently employ that information toprovide the wearer with, e.g., product or sports information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary of the invention, as well as the followingdetailed description of preferred embodiments, is better understood whenread in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are includedby way of example, and not by way of limitation with regard to theclaimed invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates apparel employing tracking marks according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the use of the apparel illustrated in FIG. 1 with aninteractive computer game.

FIG. 3A is a front elevational view of apparel, particularly a shirtbearing tracking marks according to another embodiment of the invention,the apparel being in a configuration to conceal the tracking marks.

FIG. 3B is a first partial perspective view of a sleeve of the appareldepicted in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a second partial perspective view of a sleeve of the appareldepicted in FIG. 3A, the apparel being in configuration to expose thetracking marks.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of apparel, particularly a shirtbearing tracking marks, according to yet another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 5A is a front elevational view of apparel, particularly a shirtbearing tracking marks according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B is a first partial perspective view of a sleeve of the appareldepicted in FIG. 5A, the apparel being in a configuration to conceal thetracking marks.

FIG. 5C is a second partial perspective view of a sleeve of the appareldepicted in FIG. 5A, the apparel being in configuration to expose thetracking marks.

FIG. 5D is a front elevational view of apparel, particularly a pair ofpants bearing tracking marks according to another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 6A is a first front elevational view of apparel, particularly ashirt bearing tracking marks according to yet another embodiment of theinvention, the apparel being in a configuration to conceal the trackingmarks.

FIG. 6B is a second front elevational view of the apparel depicted inFIG. 6A, the apparel being in a configuration to expose the trackingmarks.

FIG. 6C is a first front elevational view of apparel, particularly apair of pants bearing tracking marks according to another embodiment ofthe invention, the apparel being in a configuration to conceal thetracking marks.

FIG. 6D is a second front elevational view of the apparel depicted inFIG. 6C, one leg portion of the apparel being in a configuration toexpose the tracking marks.

FIG. 7A is a front elevational view of two types of apparel according toyet another embodiment of the invention, particularly a shirt bearingtracking marks and a pair of pants bearing tracking marks, the apparelbeing in a configuration to conceal the tracking marks.

FIG. 7B is a first partial perspective view of a sleeve of the appareldepicted in FIG. 7A, the apparel being in a configuration to conceal thetracking marks.

FIG. 7C is a second partial perspective view of the sleeve of theapparel depicted in FIG. 7A, the apparel being in a configuration toexpose the tracking marks.

FIG. 8A is a front elevational view of apparel, particularly a dressbearing tracking marks according to another embodiment of the invention,the apparel being in a configuration to conceal the tracking marks.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the apparel depicted in FIG. 8A, theapparel being in a configuration to expose the tracking marks.

FIG. 9A is a first front elevational view of apparel, particularly ashirt bearing tracking marks according to yet another embodiment of theinvention, the apparel being in a configuration to conceal the trackingmarks.

FIG. 9B is a first partial perspective view of a sleeve of the appareldepicted in FIG. 9A, the apparel being in a configuration to conceal thetracking marks.

FIG. 9C is a second partial perspective view of the sleeve of theapparel depicted in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9D is a third partial perspective view of the sleeve of the appareldepicted in FIG. 9A, the apparel being in a configuration to expose thetracking marks.

FIG. 9E is a second front elevational view of the apparel depicted inFIG. 9A, the apparel being in a configuration to expose the trackingmarks.

FIG. 10A is a first front elevational view of apparel, particularly ashirt bearing tracking marks according to yet another embodiment of theinvention, the apparel being in a configuration to conceal the trackingmarks.

FIG. 10B is a first partial perspective view of a sleeve of the appareldepicted in FIG. 10A, the apparel being in the configuration to concealthe tracking marks.

FIG. 10C is a second partial perspective view of the sleeve of theapparel depicted in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10D is a third partial perspective view of the sleeve of theapparel depicted in FIG. 10A, the apparel being in a configuration toexpose the tracking marks.

FIG. 10E is a second front elevational view of the apparel depicted inFIG. 10A, the apparel being in the configuration to expose the trackingmarks.

FIG. 11A is a front elevational view of apparel, particularly a shirtbearing tracking marks according to yet another embodiment of theinvention, the apparel being in a configuration to conceal the trackingmarks.

FIG. 11B is a front elevational view of the apparel depicted in FIG.11A, the apparel being in a configuration to expose the tracking marks.

FIG. 12A is a front elevational view of two types of apparel,particularly a shirt bearing tracking marks and a pair of pants bearingtracking marks according to yet other embodiments of the invention, thetwo types of apparel being in a configuration to conceal the trackingmarks.

FIG. 12B is a front elevational view of the two types of appareldepicted in FIG. 12A, the two types of apparel being in a configurationto expose the tracking marks.

FIG. 13A is a first front elevational view of apparel, particularly ashirt bearing tracking marks according to yet another embodiment of theinvention, the apparel being in a configuration to conceal the trackingmarks.

FIG. 13B is a second front elevational view of the apparel depicted inFIG. 13A, one sleeve of the apparel being in a configuration to exposethe tracking marks.

FIG. 13C is a first front elevational view of apparel, particularly apair of pants bearing tracking marks according to another embodiment ofthe invention, the apparel being in a configuration to conceal thetracking marks.

FIG. 13D is a second front elevational view of the apparel depicted inFIG. 13C, one leg portion of the apparel being in a configuration toexpose the tracking marks.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of two types of apparel, particularly ashirt bearing tracking marks and a pair of pants bearing tracking marksaccording to yet another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14B is a partial perspective view of a sleeve of the appareldepicted in FIG. 14A, the sleeve being in a configuration to expose thetracking marks.

FIG. 14C is a partial perspective view of a leg portion of the appareldepicted in FIG. 14A, the leg portion being in a configuration to exposethe tracking marks.

FIG. 15A is a front elevational view of apparel, particularly a shirtbearing tracking marks according to yet another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 15B is a first partial perspective view of a sleeve of the appareldepicted in FIG. 15A, the apparel being in a configuration to concealthe tracking marks.

FIG. 15C is a second partial perspective view of the sleeve of theapparel depicted in FIG. 15A, the apparel being in a configuration toexpose the tracking marks.

FIG. 16A is a first perspective view of apparel, particularly a shirtbearing tracking marks according to yet another embodiment of theinvention, the apparel being in a configuration to conceal the trackingmarks.

FIG. 16B is a second perspective view of the apparel depicted in FIG.16A.

FIG. 16C is a third perspective view of the apparel depicted in FIG.16A, the apparel being in a configuration to expose the tracking marks.

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of apparel, particularly a shoe bearingtracking marks according to yet another embodiment of the invention, theapparel being in a configuration to conceal the tracking marks.

FIG. 17B is a side elevational view of the apparel depicted in FIG. 17A,the apparel being in a configuration to expose the tracking marks.

FIG. 18A is a first perspective view of apparel, particularly a shoebearing tracking marks according to another embodiment of the invention,the apparel being in a configuration to conceal the tracking marks.

FIG. 18B is a second perspective view of the apparel depicted in FIG.18A, the apparel being in a configuration to expose the tracking marks.

FIG. 19A is a first perspective view of apparel, particularly a shoebearing tracking marks according to yet another embodiment of theinvention, the apparel being in a configuration to conceal the trackingmarks.

FIG. 19B is a second perspective view of the apparel depicted in FIG.19A.

FIG. 19C is a third perspective view of the apparel depicted in FIG.19A, the apparel being in a configuration to expose the tracking marks.

FIG. 20A is a first side elevational view of apparel, particularly ashoe bearing tracking marks according to another embodiment of theinvention, the apparel being in a configuration to conceal the trackingmarks.

FIG. 20B is a second side elevational view of the apparel depicted inFIG. 20A, the apparel being in a configuration to expose the trackingmarks.

FIG. 21A is a first side elevational view of apparel, particularly asock bearing tracking marks according to another embodiment of theinvention, the apparel being in a configuration to conceal the trackingmarks.

FIG. 21B is a second side elevational view of the apparel depicted inFIG. 21A, the apparel being in a configuration to expose the trackingmarks.

FIG. 22A is a first perspective view of apparel, particularly a sockbearing tracking marks according to yet another embodiment of theinvention, the apparel being in a configuration to conceal the trackingmarks.

FIG. 22B is a second perspective view of the apparel depicted in FIG.22A, the apparel being in a configuration to expose the tracking marks.

FIG. 23A is a first side elevational view of apparel, particularly a hatbearing tracking marks according to yet another embodiment of theinvention, the apparel being in a configuration to conceal the trackingmarks.

FIG. 23B is a perspective view of the apparel depicted in FIG. 23A, theapparel being in the configuration to conceal the tracking marks.

FIG. 23C is a second side elevational view of the apparel depicted inFIG. 23A, the apparel being in a configuration to expose the trackingmarks.

FIG. 24A is a first side elevational view of apparel, particularly a hatbearing tracking marks according to yet another embodiment of theinvention, the apparel being in a configuration to conceal the trackingmarks.

FIG. 24B is a perspective view of the apparel depicted in FIG. 24A, theapparel being in the configuration to conceal the tracking marks.

FIG. 24C is a second side elevational view of the apparel depicted inFIG. 24A, the apparel being in configuration to expose the trackingmarks.

FIG. 25A is a front elevational view of apparel, particularly a pair ofpants bearing tracking marks according to yet another embodiment of theinvention, the apparel being in a configuration to conceal the trackingmarks.

FIG. 25B is a first perspective view of the apparel depicted in FIG.25A, the apparel being in the configuration to conceal the trackingmarks.

FIG. 25C is a second perspective view of the apparel depicted in FIG.25A.

FIG. 25D is a third perspective view of the apparel depicted in FIG.25A, the apparel being in a configuration to expose the tracking marks.

FIG. 25E is a front elevational view of apparel, particularly a shirtbearing tracking marks according to yet another embodiment of theinvention, the apparel being in a configuration to conceal the trackingmarks.

FIG. 25F is a back elevational view of apparel depicted in FIG. 25E, theapparel being in the configuration to conceal the tracking marks.

FIG. 25G is a perspective view of a sleeve of the apparel depicted inFIG. 25E, the apparel being in a configuration to expose the trackingmarks.

FIG. 26A is a perspective view of two types of apparel, particularly ashirt bearing tracking marks and a pair of pants bearing tracking marksaccording to yet other embodiments of the invention, the apparel beingin configurations to conceal the tracking marks.

FIG. 26B is a first partial perspective view of a sleeve of the appareldepicted in FIG. 26A, the apparel being in the configuration to concealthe tracking marks.

FIG. 26C is a second partial perspective view of the sleeve of theapparel depicted in FIG. 26A, the apparel being in a configuration toexpose the tracking marks.

FIG. 27A is a first perspective view of apparel, particularly a bandbearing tracking marks according to yet another embodiment of theinvention, the apparel being in a configuration to conceal the trackingmarks.

FIG. 27B is a second perspective view of the apparel depicted in FIG.27A.

FIG. 27C is a third perspective view of the apparel depicted in FIG.27A, the apparel being in a configuration to expose the tracking marks.

FIG. 28A is a first perspective view of apparel, particularly a bandbearing tracking marks according to yet another embodiment of theinvention, the apparel being in a configuration to conceal the trackingmarks.

FIG. 28B is a side elevational view of the apparel depicted in FIG. 28A.

FIG. 28C is a second perspective view of the apparel depicted in FIG.28A, the apparel being in a configuration to expose the tracking marks.

FIG. 29A is a perspective view of apparel, particularly a band bearingtracking marks according to another embodiment of the invention, theapparel being in a configuration to conceal the tracking marks.

FIG. 29B is a top plan view of the apparel depicted in FIG. 29A, theapparel being in a configuration to expose the tracking marks.

FIG. 30A is a perspective view of apparel, particularly a band bearingtracking marks according to another embodiment of the invention, theapparel being in a configuration to conceal the tracking marks.

FIG. 30B is a side elevational view of the apparel depicted in FIG. 30A,the apparel being in a configuration to expose the tracking marks.

FIG. 31A is a first perspective view of apparel, particularly a bandbearing tracking marks according to yet another embodiment of theinvention, the apparel being in a configuration to conceal the trackingmarks.

FIG. 31B is a second perspective view of the apparel depicted in FIG.31A.

FIG. 31C is a third perspective view of the apparel depicted in FIG.31A, the apparel being in a configuration to expose the tracking marks.

FIG. 32A is a first perspective view of apparel, particularly a bandbearing tracking marks according to yet another embodiment of theinvention, the apparel being in a configuration to conceal the trackingmarks.

FIG. 32B is a second perspective view of the apparel depicted in FIG.32A.

FIG. 32C is a third perspective view of the apparel depicted in FIG.32A, the apparel being in a configuration to expose the tracking marks.

FIG. 33A is a first perspective view of apparel, particularly a bandbearing tracking marks according to yet another embodiment of theinvention, the apparel being in a configuration to conceal the trackingmarks.

FIG. 33B is a second perspective view that depicts an additional band ofthe apparel depicted in FIG. 33A.

FIG. 33C is a third perspective view of the apparel depicted in FIG.33A.

FIG. 33D is a fourth perspective view of apparel depicted in FIG. 33Athat shows the additional band in a configuration to expose the trackingmarks.

FIG. 34A is a front elevational view of apparel, particularly a pair ofpants bearing tracking marks and a band bearing tracking marks accordingto yet another embodiment of the invention, one leg portion of the pantsbeing in a configuration to conceal the tracking marks.

FIG. 34B is a first perspective view of the band depicted in FIG. 34A.

FIG. 34C is a second perspective view of the band depicted in FIG. 34A.

FIGS. 35A-35C illustrate a top elevational view of apparel, particularlyhand and wrist bands according to still other embodiments of theinvention, providing tracking marks.

FIG. 36 illustrates a flowchart describing a method of manufacturing apiece of apparel with a graphic mark according to various embodiments ofthe invention.

FIG. 37 illustrates the use of a camera with an interactive deviceaccording to various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 38 illustrates a graphic representation of the operation ofretroreflectivity.

FIG. 39 illustrates a camera for use with the invention according tostill other embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Overview

Various examples of the invention relate to the use of sigils that maybe worn or otherwise carried by a user, and which will cause a device,such as a computer, to perform a function associated with the sigil. Forexample, a sigil according to various embodiments of the invention maytake the form of a graphic mark that can be conveniently and comfortablydisplayed on apparel worn by the user of an interactive activity device,and yet may still accurately be detected by the device. With someexamples of the invention, the graphic marks may serve as tracking marksthat can be positionally tracked by the interactive activity device. Theapparel may be convertible from one form, in which the tracking marksare partially or completely hidden, to another form in which thetracking marks are prominently displayed for detection by an interactiveactivity device. With other embodiments of the invention, a graphic markmay alternately or additionally cause a device to take some action whenthe mark is recognized. For example, a particular graphic mark may beprovided on apparel for use with an interactive game. When the gamerecognizes that graphic mark, the game may then provide the playerwearing the graphic mark with access to a game environment that wouldotherwise be unavailable.

With still other examples of the invention, a sigil according to theinvention may take the form of an electronic target that allows anotherdevice to detecting a user's movement. For example, the sigil may be anaccelerometer provided in footwear that indicates when a user hasstepped upon a surface, the degree of pressure applied by the footwearagainst a surface, or both. Further, with some types of electronictargets, the electronic target may transmit an electromagnetic signal,such as a light, infrared or ultrasound signal, to indicate its position(and the position of a user's body part) to another device, such as aninteractive activity device. With still other types of electronictargets, the target may determine its position using, for example, radiotriangulation, and then transmit its position (and the position of auser's body part) to another device, such as an interactive activitydevice.

Still other embodiments of the invention may provide sigils in the formof graphic marks that can be recognized by a device, such as a computersystem, so as to prompt the device to perform some function. Forexample, some embodiments of the invention may provide appareldisplaying graphic marks that can be recognized by an interactiveactivity device. The interactive activity device may then take someaction upon recognizing a graphic mark according to variousimplementations of the invention. Thus, apparel bearing a graphic markaccording to various embodiments of the invention may be recognized by,e.g., a computer in a retail sales location or at a sporting event. Uponrecognizing the graphic mark, the computer system may arrange for thewearer to receive a purchase credit, coupon, or other reward or prize.Further, the computer system may store information relating to thewearer in a database, and subsequently employ that information toprovide the wearer with, e.g., product or sports information.

Interactive Activity Devices Tracking Marks

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a piece of apparel according tovarious embodiments of the invention. As seen in this figure, theapparel bears a plurality of graphic marks in the form of trackingmarks. More particularly, FIG. 1 shows a shirt 101 that includes a chesttracking mark 103, a left cuff tracking mark 105, and a right cufftracking mark 107. Each of these tracking marks 103-107 may have adistinctive appearance, such as the appearance of a cross shape as shownin FIG. 1. Moreover, each tracking mark 103-107 faces toward the frontof the shirt 101 (that is, toward the front of a user wearing the shirt101), so that the tracking marks 103-107 will appear in images taken byone more cameras of an interactive activity device used by the wearer.

In the illustrated embodiment, the remainder of the shirt 101 other thanthe tracking marks 103-107 may be a different color from the trackingmarks 103-107, to provide good contrast between the tracking marks103-107 and the remainder of the shirt 101. For example, the trackingmarks 103-107 may be bright white, while the remainder of the shirt 101may be a dark blue, brown, or black. This high contrast between thetracking marks 103-107 and the background of the shirt 101 will assistan interactive activity device employing a camera to distinguish thetracking marks 103-107 from the background provided by the shirt 101.Moreover, the distinctive cross shape of the tracking marks 103-107 mayassist a suitably-programmed interactive activity device to identify anddistinguish these marks 103-107 from the background provided by theshirt 101. For example, the cross-shaped tracking marks 103-107 beuseful when the interactive activity device is programmed to distinguisha cross shape from other shapes imaged by a camera or cameras.

As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, thetracking marks 103-107 can be applied to the shirt 101 using a varietyof techniques. For example, the tracking marks 103-107 may be stitchedto the shirt 101, adhered to the shirt 101 using any suitable adhesive,or woven or knitted into the material of the shirt 101. Further, thetracking marks 103-107 can be printed onto the shirt 101 using a padprinting technique. The tracking marks 103-107 also can be heattransferred onto the shirt 101, die sublimated onto the shirt 101, orsimply died into the material of the shirt 101. In addition, thetracking marks 103-107 can be glued onto the shirt 101, impregnated intothe shirt 101 using, for example, thermoforming, or etched into thematerial of the shirt 101. Still further, the tracking marks 103-107 canbe permanently mechanically attached to the shirt 101 using any suitablefastening mechanism, such as pins or staples. It should also beappreciated that, where desired, each tracking mark 103-107 can beapplied to the shirt 101 using a different technique. For example, thechest tracking mark 103 may be stitched to the shirt 101, while the leftcuff and right cuff tracking marks 105 and 107 may be silk screened ontothe sleeves of the shirt 101.

Use of Tracking Marks with an Interactive Activity Device

The use of the shirt 101 according to one embodiments of the inventionis shown in FIG. 2. As seen in this figure, a user 201 dons the shirt101, and stands before an interactive activity device 203 which, in theillustrated embodiment, may be an interactive game. More particularly,the user 201 stands within the playing area defined for the interactivecomputer game 203. The interactive computer game 203 includes a pair ofvideo cameras 205 and a display monitor 207. The interactive computergame 203 also includes a processing unit 209. The processing unit 209has a tracking mark recognition module 211 and a response module 213.The tracking mark recognition module 211 receives images from thecameras 205. From these images, the tracking mark identification module211 identifies one or more tracking marks in the visual fields of thecameras 205, and determines the movement, if any, of the identifiedtracking marks.

For example, the tracking mark identification module 211 may employ analgorithm to identify a tracking mark by distinguishing pixels having aparticular color in an image obtained by a camera 205 from pixels inthat image of other colors. Alternately, the tracking markidentification module 211 may identify a tracking mark by distinguishingthe brightness of pixels corresponding to the tracking mark from theother pixels in an image obtained by the camera 205. Still further, theidentification module 211 may identify a tracking mark by distinguishingpixels of a relatively uniform brightness, shade, or color that arearranged in a particular shape. Thus, an interactive activity device maydistinguish pixels corresponding to a tracking mark arranged in a crossshape from pixels having a similar color, shade or brightness arrangedin another shape.

Once the tracking mark identification module 211 identifies one or moretracking marks, it then determines the movement of the identifiedtracking marks. Algorithms for determining the movement of identifiedimages are well known in the art, and thus will not be discussed here infurther detail. For example, the tracking mark identification module 211may use the “city block” method of determining the three-dimensionalposition of an imaged tracking mark by comparing the position of aspecific location on the mark in the image from one camera 205 with theposition of the same location on the tracking mark in a simultaneousimage from another camera 205, for the entire area of the tracking mark.

With some embodiments of the invention, the tracking mark identificationmodule 211 may additionally determine movement of the user's extremitiesfrom the detected movement of the tracking marks. For example, usinginverse kinematics, the tracking mark identification module 211 maydetermine that a user has moved his or her right forearm based upon thedetected rotation of one tracking mark (located at the user's wrist)about another stationary tracking mark (located at the user's elbow).The use of reverse kinematics is also well known in the art, and thuswill not be described here in detail.

Based upon the detected movement of the tracking marks, the responsemodule 213 then provides a corresponding response on the monitor 207.For example, the interactive activity device may be an interactive game.If the objective of the game is for the player to position himself orherself so as to block a virtual soccer ball from entering a virtualgoal, then the response module 213 will determine if the movement of anyof the tracking marks 103-107 will place that tracking mark between thevirtual soccer ball and the virtual goal. If the response module 213determines that one of the tracking marks 103-107 has moved to a virtuallocation between the virtual soccer ball and the virtual goal, then theresponse module 213 may display a soccer ball moving away from theplayer 201, indicating that the player has successfully blocked theball. On the other hand, if the response module 213 determines that themovement of the tracking marks 103-107 does not place a tracking markbetween the virtual soccer ball and the virtual goal, then the responsemodule 213 may display a scoring indicator indicating that the player201 has given up a point in a virtual soccer game.

It should be noted that, with various embodiments of the invention, thetracking mark identification module 211 (or a separate recognitionmodule) may additionally recognize a tracking mark and then associatequalitative information with one or more of the tracking marks. Thus, auser may wear apparel that displays a special tracking mark, such as aspecific number or pattern. Upon recognizing this number or pattern, theinteractive activity device 203 may then provide the operation of theinteractive activity device with one or more special features offunctions.

For example, if the interactive activity device 203 is a virtual soccergoal-blocking game, the user may wear a shirt bearing the number of asoccer player that is particularly good at blocking high shots on thegoal. When the tracking mark identification module 211 (or separaterecognition module) recognizes the number, the game 203 may then relaxthe user's requirements for successfully blocking a “high” virtual shoton the virtual goal. Alternately, if the interactive activity device 203provides a training program to assist a user in exercising with handheldor strapped-on weight, the tracking mark identification module 211 mayrecognize the mass of the weight from its color, and the game 203 willthen adjust the training program accordingly.

Still further, the interactive activity device 203 may use thequalitative information to allow the wearer's access (or, alternately,block the wearer's access to) various features of the interactiveactivity device 203. For example, if the interactive activity device 203is a game, then the device 203 may provide the wearer of a specifictracking mark with access to a particular game environment (which mayinclude a particular game “level”). Further, the device 203 may providea wearer with access to statistics associated with the wearer's mark.Accordingly, if the game is, e.g., a basketball simulation game, wearinga tracking mark corresponding to the uniform number of a particularprofessional basketball player may provide the wearer with access to thewearer's own game statistics and/or the real playing statistics for thatprofessional basketball player.

Moreover, the qualitative information from a tracking mark may be usedto start a game within the game that the wearer is playing. That is, agame player wearing a particular tracking mark may be able to employ themark to open another type of electronic game embedded within the gamethat the wearer is already playing. A wearer of a particular trackingmark thus may be able to, for example, preview or play withoutrestriction a new game that is embedded within the game that the weareris already playing. Further, the tracking mark can be used to accessgame play with a particular player over a network, or to invoke gamepreferences or other previously-saved information associated with thewearer's tracking mark.

The use of tracking marks may be particularly beneficial for playing agame (or performing some other interactive function) over a network ofinterconnected computing devices, such as the Internet or a localintranet. For example, with some embodiments of the invention, theinteractive activity device 203 may allow a person wearing a particulartracking mark to access a specific network site (such as an Internetpage) based upon qualitative information represented by or associatedwith a tracking mark. Again, if the interactive activity device 203 is agame, then the wearer of a particular tracking mark may be able to usethe qualitative information represented by that mark to access a networksite corresponding to a specific gaming group or to another game player.Thus, the interactive activity device 203 may contact other users over anetwork based upon a recognized graphic mark.

With some of these embodiments, the interactive activity device 203 mayuse the tracking marks only to obtain such qualitative information. Thegame 203 may then determine the user's position or movements usingtechniques other than with the tracking marks, such as by conventionalinfrared, visible light or sonic positioning and motion detectiontechniques.

In addition to statically providing qualitative information, thetracking marks may also provide qualitative information when moved. Forexample, the tracking mark identification module 211 (or separaterecognition module) may recognize particular movements or motions of oneor more tracking marks as character information or instructionalinformation. Thus, with some embodiments of the invention, a user maymake a particular motion with one or more tracking marks, and thetracking mark identification module 211 (or separate recognition module)will recognize these motions to be an instruction to, e.g., turn off thegame, change the type or characteristics of the game, input alphanumericinformation, or provide other information to the interactive activitydevice 203.

Active Tracking Targets

As previously noted, various embodiments of the invention may include oremploy apparel bearing sigils in the form of an active target that canbe tracked by an interactive activity device. An active tracking targetmay, for example, be an electronic device that transmits a signal overone or more frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. Thus, an activetracking target may transmit a light signal, an infrared signal, anultrasound signal or a radio signal to the interactive activity device.This signal can then be received by the interactive activity device andused to determine the position of the target by, for example,conventional triangulation techniques.

Still further, some active tracking targets according to variousembodiments of the invention may detect movement of the user. Thesetargets will then transmit the detected information to the interactiveactivity device. For example, apparel according to some embodiments ofthe invention may include one or more accelerometers for detecting thespeed and/or direction of a user's arm, leg, or other extremity, or evenfor detecting the speed and/or direction of the user himself or herself.Accelerometers positioned in footwear also may be used to detect when auser places his or her foot down against a surface, the force with whicha user places his or her foot down against a surface, or both. Withthese types of tracking targets, the accelerometers may be coupled witha transmitter, so that the information detected by the accelerometerscan be transmitted to the interactive activity device for determiningthe user's motion.

With various embodiments of the invention, some tracking targets areintelligent in addition to being active. This type of tracking target,may, for example, determine its own position relative to the interactiveactivity device, and provide that position information directly to theinteractive activity device. For example, some electronic devices arecapable of using electromagnetic signals to triangulate their positionto within a few inches. Accordingly, these types of electronic devicesmay be used to determine the position of user's hand, arm, foot, leg orother body part, or even the position of the user himself or herself.This position information can then be transmitted to the interactiveactivity device. The interactive activity device can use the positioninformation to determine the user's movement.

Recognition Devices

In addition to being used with interactive activity devices that track auser's position, various embodiments of the invention may employ sigilswith recognition devices. In these embodiments, the recognition devicerecognizes the sigil and then associates some qualitative informationwith that sigil. The recognition device (or some other device related tothe recognition device) may then perform some additional function basedupon the associated qualitative information.

For example, with some embodiments of the invention, the recognitiondevice may be a computer that receives images through a camera, such asa CCD camera. With these embodiments, a sigil according to the inventionmay be a graphic mark displayed on a user's apparel or otherwise carriedby a user. When the user passes in front of the camera, the computerrecognizes the graphic mark, and associates some qualitative informationwith the graphic mark.

With some embodiments of the invention, the graphic mark may be unique.With these embodiments, the qualitative information may includeindividualized information, such as the name of a person registered asthe wearer of the graphic mark, organizations with which the registeredwearer is affiliated, and information generated based upon previousinstances in which the graphic mark was recognized. With still otherembodiments, however, the graphic mark will not be unique, but willinstead be associated with a group, product or other feature that may becommon to multiple persons. With these embodiments, the qualitativeinformation may be generic information, such as characteristics of theproduct or a related product, an incrementation of a register of thenumber of persons wearing or otherwise using the product, anincrementation of a register of the number of persons affiliated withthe group, and/or a list of items or activities associated with theproduct or the group.

A recognition device according to various embodiments of the inventionmay, for example, be employed in a retail setting. As noted above, if aperson is wearing apparel bearing a unique graphic mark, then therecognition device can associate specific information with that graphicmark. In a retail setting, for example, the recognition device mayidentify purchasing preferences or a purchasing history for a wearer.Based upon this information, the recognition device (or another relateddevice) may then award the wearer with credit, coupons or other rewardsfor the purchase or rent of goods and services. Alternately oradditionally, the recognition device or other related device may directthe wearer to products or services based upon the wearer's purchasehistory or other information associated with the wearer.

If a person is wearing apparel with a graphic mark common to a group,product, or other feature, then the recognition device (or anotherrelated device) may identify purchasing preferences or a purchasinghistory associated with the relevant group, product, or feature. Therecognition device or other device may then direct the wearer tospecific products or services, or award the wearer with credit, couponsor other rewards based upon the information identified from the graphicmark. Further, recognition of graphic marks can be used to developpurchasing preferences or a purchasing history, for both individuals andfor a group, product, or other feature corresponding to a graphic mark.

With various embodiments of the invention, a graphic mark may also beused in, for example, a sports setting. Thus, a recognition device at asporting event may be used to identify competitors in the event, theircoaches or trainers, or other persons related to the competitors.Alternately or additionally, a recognition device may be used toidentify spectators at sporting events. For example, if the sportingevent is a soccer game, some spectators may wear apparel displaying agraphic mark associated with one soccer team, while other spectators maywear apparel displaying a different graphic mark associated with theopposing soccer team. According to various embodiments of the invention,one or more recognition devices may be employed to determine how manyspectators are affiliated with each team based upon recognition of thedifferent graphic marks.

It should be noted that a recognition device according to variousembodiments of the invention may employ any type of recognitiontechnique to recognize a graphic mark. As noted above, variousrecognition techniques are known and employed for, e.g., facialcharacter recognition, character recognition, retina pattern andfingerprint recognition and the like.

Graphic Marks Configurable Apparel Bearing Graphic Marks

The various graphic marks 103-107 on shirt 101 are positioned externallyand are generally exposed when player 201 is wearing shirt 101. Asdiscussed above, graphic marks 103-107 may be formed to have relativelyhigh contrast with respect to other portions of shirt 101, or graphicmarks 103-107 may be formed to have a particular shape, color, orreflectivity, for example. Graphic marks 103-107 may, therefore, be aprominent feature of shirt 101. In some instances, however, a wearerwill not want his or her apparel to prominently display a graphic mark.For example, player 201 may prefer that graphic marks 103-107 beconcealed in order to provide shirt 101 with a relatively conventionalappearance when player 201 is not engaged in playing interactivecomputer game 203 or when player 201 is in a public area, for example.

Similarly, when player 201 is within a playing area of interactivecomputer game 203, the positions of graphic marks 103-107 are detectedand tracked by interactive computer game 203. Under some circumstances,other individuals that are wearing apparel bearing graphic marks mayalso be within the playing area. The other individuals, however, maywish to remain undetected by interactive computer game 203. For example,the other individuals may be preparing to take part in interactivecomputer game 203, or the other individuals may be attempting to viewdisplay monitor 207 in order to evaluate the ability of player 201 toprogress through the various challenges posed by interactive computergame 203. When the other individuals are within the playing area, thegraphic marks on the apparel of the other individuals may beinadvertently detected by interactive computer game 203, therebyaffecting the game play of player 201. Accordingly, the otherindividuals may wish to conceal the various graphic marks to limitinadvertent detection by interactive computer game 203.

The following material discloses various types of apparel that eachincludes an article of wear and at least one sigil in the form of agraphic mark. The articles of wear may vary significantly within thescope of various embodiments of the present invention to include shirts,pants, socks, shoes, hats, and wristbands, for example. Further, thearticles of wear may be configured to selectively conceal the graphicmarks from view or to selectively expose the graphic marks. Accordingly,a person wearing example of this apparel may conceal the graphic marksin public areas or conceal the graphic marks to prevent detection by aninteractive activity device (or a recognition device) is desired.Similarly, the wearer may expose the graphic marks when detection by aninteractive activity device (or a recognition device) is desired.

Some applications for an interactive activity device, such as computergame 203, may require that the position of the hands be detected. Forexample, a computer game that simulates the game of volleyball mayinclude game play that involves setting or otherwise hitting avolleyball. Accordingly, apparel in the form of a shirt may be utilizedin conjunction with graphic marks positioned on the sleeves to provideinteractive computer game 203 with accurate data concerning the positionof the arms or hands. A shirt may also include one or more graphic markspositioned on the torso area to provide interactive computer game 203with data concerning the position of the body.

Apparel having a long-sleeved shirt 301 and a pair of graphic marks 303is depicted in FIGS. 3A-3C. In contrast with shirt 101, wherein graphicmarks 103-107 are positioned externally and are generally exposed when awearer is wearing shirt 101, an individual may selectively conceal orexpose graphic marks 303. With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, graphicmarks 303 are depicted as being positioned within sleeves 305 of shirt301, thereby placing shirt 301 in a concealed configuration whereingraphic marks 303 are generally not visible and not detectable byinteractive computer game 203. With reference to FIG. 3C, however, oneof graphic marks 303 is depicted as protruding through a plurality ofapertures 307 defined in one of sleeves 305. Accordingly, FIG. 3Cdepicts shirt 301 in an exposed configuration, wherein graphic marks 305are exposed and generally detectable by an interactive activity device.

Each of sleeves 305 are formed from two concentric layers of material,and graphic marks 303 are positioned between the layers when shirt 301is in the concealed configuration. A pair of tabs 309 is secured tographic marks 303 and is utilized to convert shirt 301 from theconcealed configuration to the exposed configuration. An end portion ofeach tab 309 extends from a wrist opening in each of sleeves 305. Inorder to convert shirt 301 from the concealed configuration to theexposed configuration, the individual grasps tabs 309 and pulls tabs 309outward, thereby drawing graphic marks 303 toward the wrist openings andcausing graphic marks 303 to flex outward and protrude through apertures307.

Graphic marks 303 have the structure of a plurality of elongate stripsthat are arranged in a generally circular or cylindrical manner withinsleeves 305. In addition, graphic marks 303 are formed from a materialthat flexes outward when shirt 301 is in the exposed configuration andreturns to a substantially planar configuration when shirt 301 is in theconcealed configuration. Accordingly, a variety of flexible materials,such as textiles, rubber, or various polymer materials, may be utilizedto form graphic marks 303. In order to ensure that graphic marks 303 aredetectable by a desired interactive activity device, each graphic mark303 may have a relatively high contrast with respect to other portionsof shirt 301, or each graphic mark 303 may have a particular color,pattern, shape, or reflectivity.

Tabs 309 may also form a detectable portion of graphic marks 303 whenshirt 301 is in the exposed configuration, thereby increasing the totaldetectable area of graphic marks 303. In the concealed configuration,relatively small portions of tabs 309 extend outward from the wristopenings, as depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In the exposed configuration,however, significantly larger portions of tabs 309 extend outward fromthe wrist openings and cover a portion of the hand, as depicted in FIG.3C. Openings formed in the ends of tabs 309 may be placed around fingersto retain shirt 301 in the exposed configuration. When the individualintends to convert shirt 301 from the exposed configuration to theconcealed configuration, the openings may be removed from the fingersand graphic marks 303 will retreat into apertures 307 and becomesubstantially concealed.

Graphic marks 303, as depicted in FIGS. 3A-3C and discussed above, arepositioned adjacent the wrist openings of shirt 301. The general conceptof utilizing a tab to selectively conceal or expose graphic marksembedded within apparel may be applied to other areas of a shirt, suchas the elbow area, shoulder area, or torso area, for example.Accordingly, the general structure of graphic marks 303 may be appliedto other areas of a shirt to provide an interactive activity device withdata concerning the positions of the other areas. Furthermore, thisgeneral structure could be applied to other types of apparel, such as apair of pants. For example, the general structure of graphic marks 303could be applied to an area adjacent ankle openings of the pants toprovide an interactive activity device with data concerning thepositions of the feet or ankles. One skilled in the relevant art willrecognize, therefore, that the general structure disclosed with respectto shirt 303 may be applied to a variety of locations on the body and avariety apparel types.

Based upon the above discussion, shirt 301 and graphic marks 303 provideapparel for interactive activity devices that is convertible from aconcealed configuration to an exposed configuration. In the concealedconfiguration, graphic marks 303 are substantially concealed from viewand generally are not detectable by an interactive activity device. Inthe exposed configuration, however, graphic marks 303 are exposed andthus can be tracked by an interactive activity device. Additionalarticles of apparel that are convertible from a concealed configurationto an exposed configuration will be discussed in the following material.

Another type of apparel in accordance with the present invention, whichincludes a shirt 401 and graphic marks 403, is depicted in FIG. 4.Graphic marks 403 are located on a right sleeve 405 and a left sleeve407 of shirt 401. As represented in FIG. 4, right sleeve 405 is in aconcealed configuration that substantially conceals one of graphic marks403. Left sleeve 407, however, is in an exposed configuration, whereinone of graphic marks 403 is visible and trackable by an interactiveactivity device.

Sleeves 405 and 407 have a corrugated structure that compresses andexpands in the manner of an accordion. The corrugated structure hassurfaces that alternately face toward a shoulder area of shirt 401 andface toward a wrist opening of shirt 401. The various surfaces that facethe shoulder area are formed to have properties, such as color, texture,and reflectivity, which are substantially similar to a remainder ofshirt 401. The various surfaces that face the wrist opening, however,include the graphic marks 403, which have a contrast, color, shape, orreflectivity, for example, which is detectable and trackable by aninteractive activity device.

Right sleeve 405 is depicted in FIG. 4 as being in the concealedconfiguration. Accordingly, the corrugated structure of right sleeve 405is compressed such that the surfaces having graphic marks are hiddenfrom view, and the other surfaces are visible. A strap 409 thatencircles the wrist opening of right sleeve 405 may be utilized by theindividual to secure right sleeve 405 in the concealed configuration. Incontrast with right sleeve 405, left sleeve 407 is depicted in FIG. 4 asbeing in the exposed configuration. Accordingly, the corrugatedstructure of left sleeve 407 is expanded such that the surfaces havinggraphic marks are exposed and trackable by an interactive activitydevice. A strap 409 that encircles the wrist opening of left sleeve 407may be utilized by the individual to secure left sleeve 407 in theexposed configuration.

Shirt 401 is structured such that the graphic mark 403 positioned on theright sleeve 407 may be concealed or exposed independently of thegraphic mark 403 that is positioned on the left sleeve 407. One skilledin the relevant art will recognize that the ability to independentlyconceal and expose graphic marks 403 may have benefits in specificapplications for interactive activity devices. For example, aninteractive activity device that simulates the game of bowling may bemost effective if only one graphic mark 403 is detectable, therebyproviding the interactive activity device with data concerning only thehand that grasps and releases the bowling ball.

When converting shirt 401 from the concealed configuration to theexposed configuration, sleeves 405 and 407 are effectively convertedfrom a short-sleeve configuration to a long-sleeve configuration. Inother words, the length of sleeves 405 and 407 increase in the processof converting shirt 401 from the concealed configuration to the exposedconfiguration. FIGS. 5A to 5C disclose similar apparel, particularly ashirt 501 having graphic marks 503, wherein a pair of sleeves 505 alsoincrease in length during the conversion from the concealedconfiguration to the exposed configuration. Sleeves SOS each have acorrugated structure that compresses and expands in the manner of anaccordion. When sleeves 505 are compressed, as depicted in FIGS. 5A and5B, graphic marks 503 are concealed. When sleeves SOS are expanded, asdepicted in FIG. 5C, graphic marks 503 are exposed and may be tracked byan interactive activity device.

A pair of drawstrings 507 and thumb apertures 509 are utilized to retainshirt 501 in the concealed configuration and the exposed configuration,respectively. Drawstrings 507 extend around sleeves 505 and may betightened or loosened in a conventional manner. When tightened,drawstrings will effectively prevent sleeves SOS from expanding andinadvertently placing shirt 501 in the exposed configuration.Alternately, elastic elements within sleeves SOS or straps may bepresent to retain shirt 501 in the concealed configuration. When sleevesSOS are expanded and tracking marks 503 are exposed, a thumbs or otherfinger is placed within each thumb aperture 509 to prevent sleeves SOSfrom contracting. Accordingly, thumb apertures 509 may be utilized toretain shirt 501 in the exposed configuration.

Apparel having a similar structure is depicted in FIG. 5D as a pair ofpants 511 that have graphic marks (not shown). Leg portions of pants 511operate in a manner that is similar to sleeves 505 of shirt 501, therebyexpanding to expose the graphic marks and contracting to conceal thegraphic marks. Whereas shirt 501 includes thumb apertures 509 to retainshirt 501 in the exposed configuration, a pair of straps that extendunder the feet may be utilized in pants 511 to retain the leg portionsin the exposed configuration.

Apparel in the form of a shirt 601 having graphic marks 603 is depictedin FIGS. 6A and 6B. Shirt 601 includes sleeves 605 formed of aresilient, elastic material that defines a plurality of apertures 607.Graphic marks 603 are positioned behind apertures 607. As illustrated inFIG. 6A, shirt 601 is in the concealed configuration, wherein apertures607 are substantially closed and graphic marks 603 are not generallydetectable by an interactive activity device. When sleeves 605 areexpanded, as depicted in FIG. 6B, the material forming sleeves 605expands and apertures 607 open, thereby exposing graphic marks 603.Thumb apertures 609 that are formed in each of sleeves 605 may alsoreceive thumbs of the individual to retain sleeves 605 in the expandedand exposed configuration. When the individual desires to modify shirt601 to the concealed configuration, the thumbs may be removed from thumbapertures 609 and the elasticity of sleeves 605 will operate to closeapertures 607 in the manner depicted in FIG. 6A.

Another type of apparel having the general structure of shirt 601 isdepicted in FIGS. 6C and 6D as a pair of pants 611 that includes graphicmarks 613. In the concealed configuration, which is depicted in FIG. 6C,two leg portions 615 are compressed and a plurality of apertures 617defined in leg portions 615 are closed to conceal graphic marks 613. InFIG. 6D, however, one of leg portions 615 is expanded and placed in theexposed configuration, thereby exposing graphic marks 613. Each legportion 615 includes a strap 619 that extends under the foot to retainpants 611 in the exposed configuration.

With reference to FIGS. 7A-7C, apparel that includes a shirt 701 andgraphic marks 703 is disclosed. Shirt 701 includes sleeves 705 that areformed of two concentric layers of material. Adjacent to the wristopenings of sleeves 705, the outermost layer of material includes aplurality of parallel apertures 707. Graphic marks 703 have acylindrical structure and are positioned between the layers of materialforming sleeves 705. In the concealed configuration, as depicted inFIGS. 7A and 7B, graphic marks 703 are positioned in an elbow area ofsleeves 705 and are not visible through apertures 707. In order toconvert shirt 701 from the concealed configuration to the exposedconfiguration, the individual moves graphic marks 703 toward the wristopenings, thereby exposing graphic marks 703 through apertures 707, asdepicted in FIG. 7C. Similarly, graphic marks 703 are moved away fromapertures 707 to convert shirt 701 from the exposed configuration to theconcealed configuration. The material forming shirt 701, andparticularly sleeves 705, may be an elastic material that expands toopen apertures 707 when graphic marks 703 are positioned adjacentapertures 707.

Apparel that includes pants 711 and graphic marks 713 is also disclosedin FIG. 7A. Pants 711 operate in a manner that is similar to shirt 701.Accordingly, graphic marks 713 are positioned between layers of materialthat form a pair of leg portions 715. In order to place pants 711 in theexposed configuration, graphic marks 713 are shifted downward andpositioned behind a plurality of apertures 717 defined in leg portions715.

Another type of apparel, particularly a dress 801 having graphic marks803, is depicted in FIGS. 8A and 8B. In the concealed configuration, asdepicted in FIG. 8A, a pair of zippers 805 that are located on oppositesides of dress 801 conceal additional material and graphic marks 803. Inorder to convert dress 801 from the concealed configuration to theexposed configuration, zippers 805 are opened, thereby exposing theadditional material and graphic marks 803.

Another shirt 901 is depicted in FIGS. 9A-9E and includes a pair ofdetachable sleeves 903. Each of sleeves 903 includes a first surface 905with properties, such as color, texture, and reflectivity, which aresubstantially similar to a remainder of shirt 901 and are not generallytrackable by an interactive activity device. Each of sleeves 903 alsoinclude an opposite second surface 907 that includes graphic marks 909,which are trackable by an interactive activity device such as theinteractive computer game 203. In the concealed configuration, which isdepicted in FIGS. 9A and 9B, sleeves 903 form a wrist, forearm, andelbow portions of shirt 901, and first surface 905 faces outward. Inorder to convert shirt 901 from the concealed configuration to theexposed configuration, sleeves 905 are rolled downward toward the wristopening, as depicted in FIGS. 9C and 9D, thereby exposing second surface907 and graphic marks 909. In the exposed configuration, therefore, eachof sleeves 903 are rolled toward the wrist opening such that graphicmarks 909 face outward, as depicted in FIG. 9E.

Shirt 901 generally operates to convert from the concealed configurationto the exposed configuration by reversing the surfaces of sleeves 905that are exposed. Apparel operating in a similar manner is depicted inFIGS. 10A-10E and includes a shirt 1001 and graphic marks 1003. Shirt1001 includes a pair of cuff areas 1005 associated with each sleeve.Each cuff area 1005 includes overlapping sections of material andfasteners 1007 that secure the overlapping sections together. Fasteners1007 may have the configuration of snaps, buttons, a hook and loopfastener, or a magnetic fastening system, for example. Referring toFIGS. 10A and 1013, shirt 1001 is depicted in the concealedconfiguration and cuff areas 1005 exhibit a substantially conventionalappearance that hides graphic marks 1003. Cuff areas 1005 have a firstsurface that faces outward when shirt 1001 is in the concealedconfiguration. In order to convert shirt 1001 from the concealedconfiguration to the exposed configuration, fasteners 1007 and theoverlapping sections of material are separated, as depicted in FIGS. 10Cand 10D. Cuff areas 1005 are then folded backwards to expose graphicmarks 1003, which are positioned on a second surface that is oppositethe first surface, and fasteners 1007 are resecured to place shirt 1001in the exposed configuration depicted in FIG. 10E The reverse proceduremay be employed to convert shirt 1001 from the exposed configuration tothe concealed configuration.

Shirt 1001 also includes a flap 1009 positioned in a torso area. A firstsurface of flap 1009 has properties that are similar to other portionsof shirt 1001, but a second surface of flap 1009 includes a graphic mark1011 that is trackable by an interactive activity device. In order toconvert shirt 1001 from the concealed configuration to the exposedconfiguration, flap 1009 is folded backward and graphic mark 1011 isexposed. Fasteners that are similar to fasteners 1007 may be utilized tosecure the position of flap 1009 in either the concealed configurationor the exposed configuration.

A shirt 1101 is depicted in FIGS. 11A and 1B and has a pair of sleeves1103 that are formed of at least two concentric layers of material. Eachsleeve 1103 thus includes an outer layer 1105 that extends over an innerlayer 1107. In the concealed configuration, depicted in FIG. 11A, outerlayer 1105 covers inner layer 1107 and conceals graphic marks 1109 thatare positioned on inner layer 1107. In order to convert shirt 1103 tothe exposed configuration, depicted in FIG. 11B, outer layer 1105 isrolled or folded toward an elbow area of sleeves 1103, thereby exposinginner layer 1107 and graphic marks 1109. Furthermore, each inner layer1107 may include a thumb aperture that extends over the thumb andsecures the position of inner layer 1107 and graphic marks 1109 withrespect to the hand.

Shirt 1101 also includes a flap 1111 located in a torso area of shirt1101 and having an aperture 1113. Flap 1111 covers another graphic mark1115 that is positioned on the torso area of shirt 1101. In theconcealed configuration, flap 1111 covers graphic mark 1115 and theplayer's head extends through aperture 1113. A magnetic fastener locatedadjacent aperture 1113 and on a shoulder area of shirt 1101 may beutilized to secure the position of flap 1111 in the concealedconfiguration. In the exposed configuration, however, flap 1111 ispulled over the head, and the player's right arm is positioned throughaperture 1113, thereby exposing graphic mark 1115.

In converting shirt 1101 from the concealed configuration to the exposedconfiguration the general operation includes rolling or folding materialto expose graphic marks 1109. A similar operation may be utilized inother apparel types, including a shirt 1201 and a pair of pants 1211that are depicted in FIGS. 12A and 12B. A graphic mark 1203 ispositioned on a torso area 1205 of shirt 1201. Torso area 1205 includesan outer layer 1207 and an inner layer 1209 that are concentricallyarranged. In the concealed configuration, outer layer 1207 extends overinner layer 1209 and covers graphic mark 1203. Shirt 1201 is convertedfrom the concealed configuration to the exposed configuration by foldingouter layer 1207 downward, thereby exposing inner layer 1209 and graphicmark 1203. Pants 1211 operate in a manner that is similar to shirt 1201.In general, graphic marks 1213, which are located in the leg areas ofpants 1211, are exposed by folding outer layers 1217 away from the innerlayers 1219 (which each include one of graphic marks 1213).

Another apparel structure is depicted in FIGS. 13A and 13B and includesa shirt 1301 and graphic marks 1303. Shirt 301 includes a pair ofsleeves 1305, where each sleeve has a first surface 1307 and a secondsurface 1309. In the concealed configuration, lower sleeves 1305 arefolded such that first surface 1307 faces outward and first surface 1307forms a surface that contacts the arm of the individual. In effect,therefore, each sleeve 1305 is fashioned from a folded element ofmaterial that forms two concentric layers, and graphic mark 1303 islocated on second surface 1309, which is folded back upon itself in theconcealed configuration. In order to convert shirt 1301 from theconcealed configuration to the exposed configuration, sleeves 1305 aremerely unfolded such that first surfaces 1307 lie adjacent to the armsand second surfaces 1309 face outward, thereby exposing graphic mark1303.

Apparel having a pair of pants 1311 and graphic marks 1313 is depictedin FIGS. 13C and 13D. In a manner that is similar to shirt 1301, pants1311 have leg portions 1315 that each has a first surface 1317 and asecond surface 1319. Referring to FIG. 13C, which depicts the concealedconfiguration, leg portions 1315 are folded such that only first surface1317 is visible. In FIG. 13D, however, one of leg portions 1315 isunfolded such that first surface 1317 lies adjacent to the leg andsecond surface 1319, which includes one of graphic marks 1313, facesoutward. Accordingly, pants 1311 may be converted from the concealedconfiguration to the exposed configuration by merely unfolding legportions 1313. Similarly, pants 1311 may be converted from the exposedconfiguration to the concealed configuration by merely refolding legportions 1313.

Another general procedure by which apparel may be converted from theconcealed configuration to the exposed configuration relates tostretching the apparel in a manner that exposes the graphic marks. Forexample, apparel having a shirt 1401 and graphic marks 1403 is depictedin FIGS. 14A and 14B. Shirt 1401 includes two sleeves 1405 that aregenerally formed of two concentric layers of material, an exterior layer1407 and an interior layer 1409. Exterior layer 1407 generally extendsover interior layer 1409 and is formed of a material that is generallynot detectable by interactive computer game 203. A first portion ofinterior layer 1409 extends out of exterior layer 1407 and forms a cuffof shirt 1401. Graphic marks 1403, however, are positioned on a secondportion of interior layer 1409 that is concealed by exterior layer 1407when shirt 1401 is in the concealed configuration, as depicted in FIG.14A. In order to convert shirt 1401 from the concealed configuration tothe exposed configuration, interior layer 1409 is stretched outward, asdepicted in FIG. 14B, thereby extending the second portion of interiorlayer 1409 out of exterior layer 1407 and exposing graphic marks 1403.The area of interior layer 1409 that forms the cuff includes an aperturethat may be placed around the thumb to prevent interior layer 1409 fromcontracting and extending back into exterior layer 1407. Accordingly,stretching interior layer 1407 converts shirt 1401 from the concealedconfiguration to the exposed configuration.

FIGS. 14A and 14C both depict a pair of pants 1411 and graphic marks1413 with a similar structure. Pants 1411 have leg portions 1415 thatare each formed of an exterior layer 1417 and an interior layer 1419.Graphic marks 1413 are positioned on interior layers 1419. As depictedin FIG. 14A, pants 1411 are in a concealed configuration and graphicmarks 1413 are not exposed. In order to convert pants 1411 from theconcealed configuration to the exposed configuration, interior layers1419 are stretched outward and graphic marks 1413 are exposed, asdepicted in FIG. 14C. A portion of interior layer 1419 may be placedaround the foot to retain pants 1411 in the exposed configuration.

Another embodiment wherein a portion of apparel, which includes a shirt1501 and graphic marks 1503, is stretched to expose graphic marks 1503is depicted in FIGS. 15A-15C. Shirt 1501 includes a pair of sleeves 1505that have cuffs 1507. Each cuff 1507 is formed of a knitted or elasticmaterial that has a ribbed structure. When cuffs 1507 extend aroundwrists of the individual, as depicted in FIGS. 15A and 15B, cuffs 1507have a substantially conventional appearance and tracking, marks 1503are concealed. When cuffs 1507 are stretched over the hands, however,the various ribs in cuffs 1507 separate to reveal graphic marks 1503, asdepicted in FIG. 15C.

FIGS. 16A-16C disclose apparel having a shirt 1601 and graphic marks1603. In the concealed configuration, which is depicted in FIG. 16A,shirt 1601 has the general structure of a vest that includes a hood1605. In order to convert shirt 1601 from the concealed configuration tothe exposed configuration, hood 1605 is unzipped along a zipper line1607 to reveal a pair of sleeves 1609 that include the graphic marks1603, as depicted in FIG. 16B. In addition, graphic marks 1603 arepositioned on other interior portions of hood 1605, which extend aroundthe back of the individual when shirt 1601 is in the exposedconfiguration, as depicted in FIG. 16C.

The above descriptions of apparel, which were disclosed with referenceto FIGS. 3A-16C, provide various examples of shirts and pants that maybe utilized to selectively conceal and expose graphic marks. In someembodiments, a structure for concealing and exposing graphic marks wasdisclosed with respect to a shirt, for example. One skilled in therelevant art will recognize that a similar structure may also be appliedto other types of apparel, such as pants, a coat, shoes, or sock, forexample. Accordingly, the various structures for concealing and exposinggraphic marks are disclosed with respect to a specific type of apparelto merely provide an example of the manner in which the structures maybe incorporated into apparel, and are not intended to limit the variousembodiments of the invention to any specific type of apparel.Furthermore, the above discussions generally provide instructionsregarding the manner in which apparel is converted from the concealedconfiguration to the exposed configuration. One skilled in the relevantart will recognize that a reverse process may be employed to convert theapparel from the exposed configuration to the concealed configuration.

Some applications for interactive activity devices may require that theposition of the feet, rather than the position of the ankles or legs, bedetected. For example, an interactive activity device that simulates thegame of soccer may include game play that involves kicking a soccerball. Accordingly, apparel in the form of footwear, which includes shoesand socks, may be utilized in conjunction with graphic marks to providean interactive activity device with accurate data concerning theposition of the feet.

A shoe 1701 having a graphic mark 1703 is depicted in FIGS. 17A and 17B.Shoe 1701 includes an upper 1705 and a sole 1707. Upper 1705 isconfigured to comfortably and securely receive a foot, thereby fasteningshoe 1701 to the foot. Sole 1707 is attached to a lower portion of upper1705 and may include two primary elements, a midsole and an outsole. Themidsole attenuates ground reaction forces and absorbs energy to cushionthe foot and leg from impact with the ground. The outsole is a wearresistant element for engaging the ground and providing traction. Ingeneral, therefore, shoe 1701 has the configuration of a conventionalshoe, such as a running shoe or cross training shoe that, for example,is utilized for athletic activities.

Upper 1705 includes an instep area 1709 that corresponds with the instepportion of the foot. In other words, instep area 1709 extends along thetop surface of upper 1705 from the toe region to the ankle opening. Thematerial forming upper 1705 in instep area 1709 forms a flap 1711 thatmay be utilized to selectively conceal or expose graphic mark 1703. Withreference to FIG. 17A, shoe 1701 is depicted in the concealedconfiguration, wherein flap 1711 extends over graphic mark 1703. Whenthe individual intends to expose graphic mark 1703, however, flap 1711may be pulled toward the ankle opening and secured in position with amagnetic fastener or a hook and loop fastener, for example. Accordingly,shoe 1701 may be placed in the exposed configuration by removing flap1711 from the area of graphic mark 1703, as depicted in FIG. 17B.Similarly, shoe 1701 may be returned to the concealed configuration byreplacing the position of flap 1711.

The specific position of graphic mark 1703 may vary within the scope ofthe invention. In one embodiment, graphic mark 1703 may be positionedexclusively on the portion of upper 1705 that is covered by flap 1711.Pulling back flap 1711 will operate, therefore, to expose a second layerof upper 1705 that includes graphic mark 1703. In another embodiment,however, graphic mark 1703 may be positioned on the underside of flap1711 and on the portion of upper 1705 that is covered by flap 1711.Pulling back flap 1711 will operate, therefore, to reveal the presenceof graphic mark 1703 on both the second layer of upper 1705 and on theunderside of flap 1711. In still further embodiments of the invention,flap 1711 may be located in other areas of shoe 1701, such as the heelarea, the medial side, or the lateral side, for example.

A shoe 1801 and graphic mark 1803 having a structure that is similar toshoe 1701 and graphic mark 1703 is depicted in FIGS. 18A and 18B. Shoe1801 includes an upper 1805 and a sole 1807. Upper 1805 has an insteparea 1809 that defines a flap 1811 for selectively covering and exposinggraphic mark 1803. Whereas flap 1711 loosely covered instep area 1705 inthe concealed configuration, flap 1811 includes a zipper 1813 thatsecures the position of flap 1811 over graphic mark 1803. Furthermore,shoe 1801 is depicted as including a portion of graphic mark 1803 on theunderside of flap 1811.

Another shoe 1901 and graphic mark 1903 is depicted in FIGS. 19A-19C.Shoe 1901 includes an upper 1905 and a sole 1907. Upper 1905 includes aninstep area 1909 with a pair of flaps 1911 that may be folded back toreveal graphic mark 1703 on instep area 1909. Referring to FIG. 19A,shoe 1901 is depicted in the concealed configuration, wherein flaps 1911extend over graphic mark 1903 and generally prevent graphic mark 1903from being detected by an interactive activity device. In order toconvert shoe 1901 to the exposed configuration, however, flaps 1911 arefolded backwards, as depicted in FIGS. 19B and 19C.

A magnetic fastener 1913, for example, may be utilized to secure theposition of flaps 1911 in both the concealed and exposed configuration.A portion of magnetic fastener 1913 is depicted as being located on bothof flaps 1911, and a corresponding portion of magnetic fastener isdepicted as being located adjacent the ankle opening of shoe 1901. Whenshoe 1901 is in the concealed configuration, the portions of magneticfastener 1913 that are located on flaps 1911 may attract each other tosecure to position of flaps 1911 over graphic mark 1903. When shoe 1901is in the exposed configuration, however, the portions of magneticfastener 1913 that are located on flaps 1911 may attract thecorresponding portions that are adjacent the ankle opening, therebysecuring flaps 1911 in the exposed configuration.

Another shoe 2001 and various graphic marks 2003 are depicted in FIGS.20A-20B. Shoe 2001 includes an upper 2005 and a sole 2007. Upper 2005includes a plurality of slits 2009 that are mechanically coupled to adrawstring 2011 extending from a heel area of shoe 2001. Graphic marks2003 are positioned behind slits 2009. In the concealed configuration,edges of slits 2009 contact each other and conceal graphic marks 2003,as depicted in FIG. 20A. In order to convert shoe 2001 from theconcealed configuration to the exposed configuration, a portion ofdrawstring 2011 is drawn out of the heel area. This action operates toseparate the edges of slits 2009, thereby revealing graphic marks 2003,as depicted in FIG. 20B. Accordingly, graphic marks 2003 may be revealedby through manipulating the position of drawstring 2011.

In addition to shoes, socks may be utilized in connection with graphicmarks to provide interactive computer game 203 with data concerning theposition of the feet. Referring to FIGS. 21A and 21B, a sock 2101 andgraphic marks 2103 are depicted. Sock 2101 includes an exterior surface2105 that faces away from the foot, and sock 2101 includes an interiorsurface 2107 that generally contacts the foot. Graphic marks 2103 arepositioned on an ankle area of interior surface 2107. In the concealedconfiguration, which is depicted in FIG. 21A, the ankle area extendsalong the ankle such that graphic marks 2103 are adjacent the ankle andare concealed from view. In order to convert sock 2101 from theconcealed configuration to the exposed configuration, the ankle area maybe folded downward, as depicted in FIG. 21B, such that the ankle area iseffectively turned outward to expose graphic marks 2103. In someembodiments of the invention, graphic marks 2103 may also be positionedon exterior surface 2105 such that wearing a shoe will provide effectiveconcealment.

Another sock 2201 and graphic mark 2203 is depicted in FIGS. 22A and22B. Sock 2201 includes an ankle area that has an exterior layer 2205and an inner layer 2207 that are arranged in a concentric mariner.Graphic mark 2203 is positioned on adjacent surfaces of exterior layer2205 and interior layer 2207. In the concealed configuration, asdepicted in FIG. 22A, layers 2205 and 2207 extend upward along the ankleand effectively conceal graphic marks 2203. In order to convert sock2201 to the exposed configuration, exterior layer 2205 is foldeddownward, as depicted in FIG. 22B.

Whereas footwear bearing graphic marks may be utilized to provide dataconcerning the position of the feet, some applications of an interactiveactivity device may require that the position of the head be detected.For example, an interactive activity device that simulates the game ofsoccer may include game play that involves utilizing the head to directthe motion of a soccer ball. Accordingly, apparel in the form ofheadwear, such as a hat or headband, may be utilized in conjunction withgraphic marks to provide the interactive activity device with accuratedata concerning the position of the head.

A hat 2301 and various graphic marks 2303 are disclosed in FIGS.23A-23C. Hat 2301 has a generally cylindrical structure and includes adrawstring 2305 that extends around the head. In the concealedconfiguration, as depicted in FIGS. 23A and 23B, hat 2301 exposes thetop of the head and includes a plurality of slits 2307 that are closedto conceal graphic marks 2303. In order to convert hat 2301 to theexposed configuration, drawstring 2305 is tightened such that hat 2301stretches to the top of the head. The stretching of hat 2301 causesslits 2307 to separate and exposes graphic marks 2303, as depicted inFIG. 23C.

Another hat 2401 and various graphic marks 2403 are depicted in FIGS.24A-24C. Hat 2401 includes an element 2405 that is positioned in an areathat corresponds with a rear portion of the head. In the concealedconfiguration, which is depicted in FIGS. 24A and 24B, a plurality ofslits 2407 are in a closed configuration and conceal graphic marks 2403.In order to convert hat 2401 to the exposed configuration, portions ofhat 2401 are drawn through element 2405 so as to stretch hat 2401 overthe head, as depicted in FIG. 24C. The stretching of hat 2401 acts toseparate slits 2407 and expose graphic marks 2403.

Additional examples of embodiments for shirts and pants will now bediscussed. Referring to FIGS. 25A-25D a pair of pants 2501 and graphicmarks 2503 are disclosed. Pants 2501 include a pair of leg portions2505, with each leg portion 2505 having a pair of independent V-shapedstraps 2507 that form an X-shaped structure. Each strap 2507 is securedto pants 2501 with a releasable fastener, such as a hook and loopfastener. In the concealed configuration, which is depicted in FIGS. 25Aand 25B, straps 2507 are positioned on a back area of leg portions 2505,and graphic marks 2503 concealed by straps 2507. More particularly,graphic marks are positioned on the areas of straps 2507 that areconcealed, and graphic marks 2503 are positioned on the areas of legportions 2505 that are under straps 2507. In order to convert pants 2501from the concealed configuration to the exposed configuration, straps2507 are detached and extended around to a front area of leg portions2505, as depicted in FIG. 25C. This action exposes the area of straps2507 were previously adjacent to leg portions 2505, thereby exposinggraphic marks 2503, as depicted in FIG. 25D.

A similar structure may be applied to other apparel, such as a shirt2511 and graphic marks 2513, which are disclosed in FIGS. 25E-25G. Shirt2511 includes two sleeves 2515 that each has two V-shaped straps 2517.The concealed configuration of shirt 2511 is depicted in FIGS. 25E and25F. Straps 2517 may be detached from a back area of shirt 2511, wrappedaround sleeves 2515, and subsequently reattached to a front area ofshirt 2511, thereby exposing graphic marks 2513 and placing shirt 2511in the exposed configuration, as depicted by FIG. 25G.

Apparel having a woven structure is depicted in FIGS. 26A-26C andincludes a shirt 2601 and graphic marks 2603. Shirt 2601 includes twosleeves 2605 that are woven in a manner that incorporates an element2607, which is woven into the structure of sleeves 2605 and includesgraphic marks 2603. In operation, elements 2607 translatebi-directionally through a distance that is approximately equal to oneline of weaving.

Accordingly, the process of moving or translating elements 2607 exposesareas of elements 2607 that were previously positioned under otherportions of sleeves 2605. In the concealed configuration, which isdepicted in FIGS. 26A and 26B, elements 2607 are in a first position andgraphic marks 2603 are concealed. In order to convert shirt 2601 to theexposed configuration, elements 2607 are moved relative to sleeves 2605and the portions of elements 2607 that include graphic marks 2603 areexposed. A similar configuration may also be utilized in a pair of pants2611 having other graphic marks, which is also depicted in FIG. 26A.

Many applications of an interactive activity device will require dataconcerning the positions of the extremities, which include the arms andlegs, in order to effectively track the movements of the individual. Thevarious types of apparel discussed above, including the shirts, pants,and footwear, may be utilized to provide an interactive activity devicewith data concerning the positions of the extremities. Some individuals,however, may prefer to utilize a band structure, such as a wristband orankleband, which bears graphic marks. The following discussion providesexample of various bands that are discussed with reference to either thewrist or the ankle for purposes of illustration. One skilled in therelevant art will recognize, however, the general structure of the bandsdiscussed herein are not limited to wrist and ankle applications, butmay be applied to other areas of the body, including the elbows, knees,and upper arms, for example.

Apparel in the form of a band 2701 that bears graphic marks 2703 isdepicted in FIGS. 27A-27C. Band 2701 includes a first surface 2705 andan opposite second surface 2707. First surface 2705 has properties thatwill not generally be tracked by an interactive activity device. Secondsurface 2707 includes graphic marks 2703 and is formed to have acontrast, color, shape, or reflectivity, for example, that is generallytrackable by an interactive activity device. Accordingly, the individualmay wear band 2701 in the concealed configuration by placing band 2701upon the body such that first surface 2705 faces outward and secondsurface 2707 contacts the body, as depicted in FIG. 27A. In order toconvert band 2701 to the exposed configuration, the individual merelyflips band 2701 over, as depicted in FIGS. 27B and 27C, thereby exposingsecond surface 2707.

Another apparel embodiment in the form of a band 2801 that bears graphicmarks 2803 is depicted in FIGS. 28A-28C. Band 2801 has a first surface2805 and an opposite second surface 2807. The structure of band 2801 maybe folded such that only first surface 2805 faces outward, or band 2801may be unfolded such that second surface 2807 is exposed. First surface2805 has properties that are not generally tracked by an interactiveactivity device, and second surface 2807 includes graphic marks 2803.The individual may wear band 2801 in the concealed configuration byfolding band 2801 in the manner depicted in FIG. 28A. In order toconvert band 2801 to the exposed configuration, the individual merelyunfolds band 2801, as depicted in FIGS. 28B and 28C, thereby exposingsecond surface 2807.

With reference to FIGS. 29A and 29B, apparel that includes a band 2901and graphic marks 2903 is disclosed. Band 2901 includes a plurality ofsegments 2905 that are connected by an elastic material 2907, withgraphic marks 2903 being positioned on elastic material 2907. Segments2905 cooperate to form a ring with dimensions that extend securelyaround a finger. By applying outward pressure to band 2901, however,elastic material 2907 stretches and band 2901 may be placed around thewrist, for example. Band 2901 may be worn in the concealed configurationupon a finger such that graphic marks 2903 are not exposed, as depictedin FIG. 29A. In order to convert band 2901 from the concealedconfiguration to the exposed configuration, however, elastic material2907 is stretched and band 2901 placed around another portion of thebody, thereby exposing graphic marks 2903, as depicted in FIG. 29B.

Apparel that includes a band 3001 and graphic marks 3003 is disclosed inFIGS. 30A and 30B. Band 3001 includes a plurality of segments 3005 thatare connected by an elastic material 3007, with graphic marks 3003 beingpositioned on elastic material 3007. Segments 3005 have a structure thatbends or flexes in a central area. By applying inward pressure to band3001, segments 3005 will separate and protrude radially outward. Band3001 may be worn in the concealed configuration, as depicted in FIG.30A. In order to convert band 3001 from the concealed configuration tothe exposed configuration, however, segments 3005 are flexed and elasticmaterial 3007 is exposed between the various segments 3005, as depictedin FIG. 30B.

Apparel that includes a band 3101 and graphic marks 3103 is disclosed inFIGS. 31A-31C. Band 3101 includes a plurality of segments 3105 that areconnected by an inflatable structure 3107, with graphic marks 3103 beingpositioned on inflatable structure 3107. By increasing the fluidpressure within inflatable structure 3107, band 3101 will increase insize and segments 3105 will separate to expose graphic marks 3103. Band3101 may be worn in the concealed configuration, as depicted in FIG.31A. In order to convert band 3101 from the concealed configuration tothe exposed configuration, however, one of segments 3105 is lifted toexpose an inlet 3109 for inflatable structure 3107, as depicted in FIG.31B. The individual then blows upon inlet 3109 to inflate band 3101,expose graphic marks 3103, and place band 3101 in the exposedconfiguration, as depicted in FIG. 31C.

Referring to FIGS. 32A-32C apparel having a band 3201 and graphic marks3203 is depicted. Band 3201 includes a cylindrical element 3205 thatextends around a wrist, ankle, or other portion of the individual. Band3201 also includes a flap 3207 that is detachable from element 3205.Flap 3207 includes a first surface 3209 and an opposite second surface3211. First surface 3209 has properties that cannot generally be trackedby an interactive activity device. Second surface 3211 includes graphicmarks 3203 and is formed to have a contrast, color, shape, orreflectivity, for example, that is generally trackable by an interactiveactivity device. Accordingly, the individual may wear band 3201 in theconcealed configuration with first surface 3209 facing outward, asdepicted in FIG. 32A. In order to convert band 3201 to the exposedconfiguration, the individual merely reverses the orientation of flap3207 such that second surface 3211 faces outward, as depicted in FIGS.32B and 32C, thereby placing band 3201 in the exposed configuration.

Another apparel embodiment in the form of a band 3301 that bears graphicmarks 3303 is depicted in FIGS. 33A-33D. Band 3301 has a structure thatis similar to band 2801 discussed above, except that a plurality ofadditional bands 3305 are positioned within band 3301. Additional bands3305, which are depicted in FIG. 33B, bear graphic marks 3303 and may betracked by interactive computer game 203. Band 3301 may be worn in theconcealed configuration, as depicted in FIG. 33A, with additional bands3305 located therein. In order to convert band 3301 to the exposedconfiguration, band 3301 is opened to reveal additional bands 3305, asdepicted in FIG. 33C. Additional bands 3305 are then wrapped aroundvarious extremities, for example, to expose graphic marks 3303, asdepicted in FIG. 33D.

Various apparel types may also be combined, as in FIGS. 34A-34C, whichdiscloses a pair of pants 3401 that bears graphic marks 3403 and alsodiscloses a pair of bands 3411 that bear graphic marks 3413. Pants 3401include a pair of cuff areas 3405. Bands 3411 are configured to extendaround cuff areas 3405 and conceal graphic marks 3403, which are locatedon cuff areas 3405. In the concealed configuration, therefore, bands3411 extend around cuff areas 3405. In order to convert pants 3401 andbands 3411 to the exposed configuration, bands 3411 are detached fromcuff areas 3405, thereby exposing graphic marks 3403. Detaching bandsfrom cuff areas 3405 also exposes graphic marks 3413, which are locatedon the sides of bands 3411 that were in contact with cuff areas 3405.Bands 3411 may be placed on the wrists, for example, with graphic marks3413 facing outward during use of an interactive activity device.

Apparel Serving as a Graphic Mark

With some embodiments of the invention, an entire piece of apparel mayservice as a graphic mark. For example, FIGS. 35A-35C illustrate threeexamples of hand and wrist covers 3501 that may each serve as a graphicmark 3503. More particularly, the hand and wrist cover 3501A shown inFIG. 35A is formed of a wrap 3505 that is wrapped around a wearer'swrist, palm and thumb. One end of the wrap 3505 is then secured to theremainder of the wrap by a fastener 3507. The fastener 3507 may be anysuitable fastener, such as a fastener employing a hook-and-loopmaterial, a snap, an adhesive material or the like. FIG. 35B thenillustrates a hand and wrist cover 3501B that is formed from a wovenmaterial such as, e.g., a knit material. As will be appreciated by thoseof ordinary skill in the art, such a knit material may be stretchable,so as to securely fit a range of hand sizes. The hand and wrist cover3501C shown in FIG. 35C may then formed from a material employing astretchable fiber such as elastane (e.g., LYCRA) or a non-wovenmaterial, such as, e.g., neoprene.

With each of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 35A-35C, the hand andwrist cover 3501 has a color that can be easily distinguished from mostbackground environments. The covers 3501 may have, for example, a brightorange or bright yellow coloring. An interactive activity device canthen use this distinctive coloring to discriminate the covers 3501 froma background environment, thereby allowing the interactive activitydevice to track movement of the covers 3501 and thus movement of awearer's hand and wrist. Thus, the cover 3501 itself forms a trackingmark 3503 that can be tracked by an interactive activity device. Ofcourse, it should be appreciated that any type of apparel may use adistinctive coloring, over a part or the entirety of the apparel, toform a graphic mark, and that this feature is not limited to hand andwrist covers.

Further, with various embodiments of then invention, reversible apparelmay have a first distinguishable color on one side of the apparel andanother, different distinguishable color on the opposite of the apparel.With these embodiments, a wearer may change the graphic mark simply bywearing the apparel in reverse. For example, each cover 3501 may have adifferent color on the surface opposite the shown surface. Thisdifferent color may also be distinguished from most backgroundenvironments (and thus tracked) by an interactive activity device.Accordingly, with various embodiments of the invention, a piece ofapparel may itself serve as a graphic mark. Further, with someembodiments of the invention, a piece of apparel may server as twodifferent graphic marks.

Types of Graphic Marks Overview

As will be discussed in detail below, a wide variety of materials andmechanisms may be employed to form graphic marks for use with aninteractive activity device, a recognition device, or both. Some graphicmarks may be passive, which are fixed. Still other graphic marks may beactive. With this type of graphic mark, the features of the graphic markmay be change. With some embodiments of the invention, the features ofan active graphic mark may be specified by the wearer. With otherembodiments of the invention, the features of an active graphic mark mayautomatically change in response to an environment change, some activityby the wearer, or other outside stimulus.

Also, in many of the above-described examples of the invention, thegraphic marks are formed of substantially two-dimensional surfaces. Itshould be noted, however, that various embodiments of the invention mayemploy three-dimensional graphic marks. For example, raised shapes, suchas pyramidal or hemispherical shapes can be used as graphic marks forvarious embodiments of the invention. Advantageously, three-dimensionalgraphic marks may allow the marks to be visible to the interactiveactivity device from a variety of angles and directions.

Method of Manufacturing Apparel with a Graphic Mark

One method of manufacturing apparel bearing a graphic mark, such as theshirt 101, according to various embodiments of the invention isillustrated in FIG. 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the method is formanufacturing apparel for use with a game 203, but it should beappreciated that this method can be adopted to manufacture apparel forany type of interactive activity device or recognition device. As seenin this figure, in step 3601, the apparel manufacturer analyzes theinteractive game 203 with which the apparel bearing the graphic markswill be employed. More particularly, the apparel manufacturer determinesthe type of graphic mark or marks that the apparel should have in orderto allow the interactive game 203 to properly track the user'smovements. This information regarding the types of suitable graphicmarks may be obtained directly from the manufacture of the interactivegame 203, or it may be obtained by studying the components of theinteractive game 203, such as the software code of the interactive game203 (for example, the software code of the graphic mark identificationmodule 211 or recognition module).

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the shirt 101 bears specificshapes (that is, cross shapes) that the interactive game 203 can easilyidentify as graphic marks. With alternate embodiments of the invention,however, the interactive game may distinguish graphic marks of specificcolors rather than specific shapes. For example, with some embodimentsof the invention, the interactive game may more easily identify agraphic mark having the color red from a blue background of the apparelthan a graphic mark having a particular shape. Alternately, oradditionally, some interactive games may better distinguish reflectivegraphic marks than graphic marks that simply have a high contrast withrespect to the apparel on which they are placed. For example, with someembodiments of the invention, the interactive game may employ anelectromagnetic wave transmitter, such as an infrared, visible light orsonic transmitter, together with one or more detectors for detecting thereflection of these electromagnetic waves. The graphic marks can then beformed of a material that is particularly reflective of the appropriatetype of electromagnetic wave.

Further, some interactive games may track only the player's position.With these games, the piece of apparel might require only a singlegraphic mark located in a central position on the apparel. Moreover, theinteractive game may actually track the movement of each of the player'sextremities. With this type of interactive game, the apparel mightrequire multiple graphic marks, such as one on each sleeve of a shirt,or on each leg of a pair of pants.

After the manufacturer has determined the appropriate graphic mark ormarks to be applied to the apparel, the manufacture manufactures theapparel with those graphic marks in step 3603. As discussed in detailabove, the manufacturer can manufacture the apparel to inherentlyinclude the graphic marks, or the manufacturer may apply the graphicmarks to the apparel after the apparel is created. Next, in step 3605,the manufacturer makes the apparel available to a wearer who intends toplay the interactive game studied by the manufacturer. Then, in step3607, the player 201 obtains the apparel bearing the graphic marks fromthe manufacturer. In step 3609, the player 201 begins wearing theapparel bearing the graphic marks, and, in step 3611, begins playing theinteractive game studied by the manufacturer while wearing the apparelwith the graphic marks.

As discussed above, the apparel employing the graphic marks may be ofany desired type. For example, with some embodiments of the invention,the apparel can include shirts, such as long sleeve shirts and sleeveshirts, jackets, pants, shorts, socks, and hat. The apparel can alsoinclude footwear. Still further, the apparel may be a hand-held object,such as a weight or piece of sports equipment, a band, such as a bandthat may be worn around the player's wrist, chest or ankles, or asticker that may be applied to apparel that the player alreadypossesses. In addition to the method described above, with still otherembodiments of the invention a user may personally select the graphicmark or marks that will be displayed on a piece of apparel. For example,a manufacturer may provide one or more components, such as laminates oradhesive materials, which will allow a wearer to form an individualizedgraphic mark on apparel.

Retroreflective Graphic Marks

FIG. 37 illustrates yet another embodiment of the invention that employsone or more retroreflective graphic marks to assist an interactive gamein tracking the movements of a player. As seen in this figure, theplayer 3701 is wearing a shirt 3703 that bears a chest graphic mark3705. The graphic mark 3705 is formed of retroreflective material. As isknown in the art, retroreflective material is a material that reflectslight back in the direction of its source.

More particularly, the operation of retroreflectivity will be discussedbriefly with reference to FIG. 38. As will be appreciated by those ofordinary skill in the art, materials typically will reflect in one oftwo ways. First, a surface may diffusely reflect incident light. Thatis, if incident light strikes a diffusive surface at a particular angle,the surface will reflect that incident light in multiple directions, andnot produce a clear reflection of the incident light. Second a surfacemay provide a specular or mirror reflection. With this type of surface,if incident light strikes the surface at a particular angle, the surfacewill reflect the incident light at the opposite angle. Withretroreflective surfaces, however, the incident light is reflected ingenerally the same direction from which it originated.

As known in the art, a retroreflective surface 3801 includes a mirroredlayer 3803 and a retroreflective sheeting layer over the mirrored player3803. The retroreflective sheeting layer may be formed of tiny cube orprism elements, or it may be formed of transparent beads, such as thesphere 3805 shown in FIG. 38. As seen in this figure, when an incidentlight ray 3807 strikes the bead 3805, it is reflected toward the centeraxis (perpendicular to the mirrored layer 3803) of the bead 3805. Whenthe incident light ray 3807 is then reflected from the mirrored surface3803, it exits the bead 3805 in a direction generally parallel to thatof the incident light ray 3807. Thus, retroreflective surfaces willreflect incident light in generally the same direction from which itoriginated. Of course, there will be some deviation between thedirection of the incident light ray and its corresponding reflectedlight ray. This deviation is referred to as the observation angle.

Returning now to FIG. 37, the interactive game being used by the player3701 employs a camera 3707 to take advantage of the retroreflectivity ofthe graphic mark 3705. The camera 3707 includes a stand 3709 having alight source 3711 mounted thereon. When a beam of incident light 3713 isdirected from the light source 3711, the graphic mark 3705 reflects theincident light 3713 in a beam of reflected light 3715. The direction ofthe reflected light beam 3715 is back toward the light source 3711.Because the camera lens 3717 is relatively close to the light source3711, it is within the observation angle for light reflected from thelight source 3711.

Thus, the camera lens 3717 will image the light from the light source3711 reflected by the retroreflective graphic mark 3705. As will beappreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, however, otherobservers standing outside of the observation angle will not view thereflected light 3715 from the retroreflective graphic mark 3705.Instead, to these observers, the graphic mark 3705 will simply appear asa somewhat shiny mark. Moreover, because of the high reflectivity of theretroreflective graphic mark 3705, the image of the graphic mark 3705will be strongly distinguished from its surrounding background, such asthe background provided by the shirt 3703. This will assist theinteractive computer game in recognizing the graphic mark 3705 from itsbackground.

Of course, it will be appreciated that the light source 3711 need not bemounted on the stand 3709 of the camera 3707 in order for the camera3707 to be within the observation angle for light reflected from thelight source 3711. Instead, as will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art, the area encompassed by the observation angle forlight reflected from the retroreflective graphic mark 3705 will dependupon the distance from the light source 3711 to the graphic mark 3705.Whether or not the camera 3707 will be within the area encompassed bythe observation angle will also depend upon the distance of the camera3707 to the retroreflective graphic mark 3705.

FIG. 39 illustrates one embodiment of a camera 3901 that typicallyensures that the images obtained by the camera 3901 will include lightfrom within the observation angle of light reflected from aretroreflective graphic mark. The camera 3901 includes a camera lens3903 and a light source 3905. As seen in FIG. 39, the light source 3905encircles the lens 3903. Thus, any light from the light source 3905 willbe retroreflected back to the camera lens 3903. That is, in almost allsituations, the camera lens 3903 will be within the observation angle oflight reflected from the light source 3905. Of course, as will beappreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the radial distancebetween the lens 3903 and the light source 3905 can be modified basedupon the expected distance to the retroreflective graphic mark. In mostsituations, the interactive computer game will typically specify a depthof a playing area. Thus, the intended depth of the playing area can betaken into account when spacing the light source 3905 from the lens3903.

It should be noted that, in addition to the light source/lensconfigurations shown in FIGS. 37 and 39, a variety of otherconfigurations are also possible. For example, the light source 3905 mayonly partially encircle the camera lens 3903. Alternately, the lightsource 3905 may be mounted with a different support than the mount forthe camera. A wide variety of positioning and mounting options areseparately available for the light source 3905 and the camera lens 3903that will still maintain the camera lens 3903 within the observationangle for light reflected by a retroreflective target from the lightsource 3905.

Active Graphic Marks

As previously noted, the features of a graphic mark according to variousembodiments of the invention may be controlled by a wearer, mayautomatically respond to other outside stimulus, or both. For example,with some embodiments of the invention, a graphic mark may be formed ofa flexible display, such as a flexible display formed of organicmaterials or a flexible display employing an array of magnetized,bi-colored spheres. With this arrangement, the wearer (or other person)may use a controller, such as a keypad, digitizer or remote computingdevice to change the appearance of the graphic mark as desired. Withstill other embodiments of the invention, the graphic mark may be formedof some material that automatically changes features in response to anoutside stimulus, such as an environmental condition or use of theapparel. For example, the graphic mark may be formed of a material thatchanges color depending upon its temperature. As another example, thegraphic mark may be formed from a light provided on a shoe that changescolor after a preset number of footsteps.

Formation of Graphic Marks

As discussed above, graphic marks according to various embodiments ofthe invention may be formed using any desired technique or method. Forexample, graphic marks may be stitched to apparel, adhered to apparelusing any suitable adhesive, or woven or knitted into the material ofthe apparel. Further, the graphic marks can be printed onto apparelusing a pad printing technique. The graphic marks also can be heattransferred onto apparel, die-sublimated onto apparel, or simply diedinto the material of the apparel. In addition, the graphic marks can beglued onto apparel, impregnated into apparel using, for example,thermoforming, or etched into the material of the apparel. Stillfurther, graphic marks can be permanently mechanically attached toapparel using any suitable fastening mechanism, such as pins or staples.It should also be appreciated that, where desired, multiple graphicmarks can be applied to a single piece of apparel using a differenttechnique.

It also should be appreciated that, while both the term graphic mark andgraphic marks are used separately herein for convenience, variousembodiments of the invention may treat multiple markings as a singlegraphic mark. Similarly, a single mark may include any appropriatefeature described above with respect to plural graphic marks.

CONCLUSION

From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that there areany number of alternative embodiments of the invention, whichincorporate one or more elements from the specification, including thedescription, claims, and drawings, in various combinations or subcombinations. It will be apparent to those skilled in the relevanttechnology, in light of the present specification, that alternatecombinations of aspects of the invention, either alone or in combinationwith one or more elements or steps defined herein, may be utilized asmodifications or alterations of the invention or as part of theinvention. It is intended that the written description of the inventioncontained herein covers all such modifications and alterations.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system configured to recognize tracking marks,comprising: an interactive activity device comprising: a processor; acomputer operated recognition device including a camera; and anon-transitory computer-readable medium comprising computer-executableinstructions that when executed by the processor, cause the processor toat least: capture images of a tracking mark on an article of wear wornby a user during movement by the user within a field of view of thecamera, and wherein the movement by the user induces movement of thetracking mark; recognize with the processor, the tracking mark displayedon the article of wear from the images provided by the camera; associatequalitative information with the tracking mark; and perform at least onecomputer function based on the recognition of the tracking mark and thequalitative information associated with the tracking mark; and anarticle of wear comprising a corrugated structure configured to compressand expand to convert between a concealed configuration and an exposedconfiguration of the tracking mark on the article of wear.
 2. The systemof claim 1, wherein the corrugated structure of the article of wearincludes a plurality of alternating surfaces with a first subset of theplurality of alternating surfaces including a plurality of firstsurfaces including the tracking mark and a second subset of theplurality of alternating surfaces including a plurality of secondsurfaces which do not include the tracking mark, wherein when thetracking mark is in the concealed configuration, the plurality of firstsurfaces is not visibly exposed at an exterior of the article of wearsuch that the tracking mark is not recognizable in the images, andwherein, when the tracking mark is in the exposed configuration, theplurality of first surfaces is visibly exposed at an exterior of thearticle of wear such that the tracking mark is recognizable in theimages.
 3. The system of recognizing tracking marks recited in claim 1,wherein the non-transitory computer-readable medium further comprisescomputer-executable instructions that when executed by the processor,cause the processor to interpret the qualitative information as aninstruction.
 4. The system of recognizing tracking marks recited inclaim 3, wherein the instruction is selected from the group consistingof: an instruction to turn off the interactive activity device, aninstruction to change a type or characteristic of the interactiveactivity device, and an instruction to input alphanumeric informationinto the interactive activity device.
 5. The system of recognizingtracking marks recited in claim 1, wherein the tracking mark isincorporated into a structure of the article of wear by a techniqueselected from the group consisting of: silk screening, pad printing,heat transfer, dye sublimation, dyeing, stitching, adhering with anadhesive, impregnation, etching, stapling riveting, and combinationsthereof.
 6. The system of recognizing tracking marks recited in claim 1,wherein the article of wear is selected from the group consisting of:footwear, a shirt, pants, a jacket, shorts, a sock, a hat, a band, andcombinations thereof.
 7. The system of recognizing tracking marksrecited in claim 1, wherein the tracking mark has a color that can berecognized by a tracking recognition module in operative communicationwith the processor.
 8. The system of recognizing tracking marks recitedin claim 7, wherein the tracking mark has a shape that can be recognizedby the tracking recognition module.
 9. The system of recognizingtracking marks recited in claim 7, wherein the tracking mark has areflectivity that can be recognized by the tracking recognition module.10. The system of recognizing tracking marks recited in claim 7, whereinthe tracking recognition module can recognize at least two differentkinds of tracking marks.
 11. The system of recognizing tracking marksrecited in claim 10, wherein the camera is located in a place for asports event.
 12. The system of recognizing tracking marks recited inclaim 11, wherein each of the two different kinds of tracking marks isassociated with each team for the sports event and the tracking marksare displayed on articles or wear being worn by a plurality ofspectators.
 13. The system of recognizing tracking marks recited inclaim 1, wherein the interactive activity device is configured toprovide an interactive activity that includes a computer game.
 14. Thesystem of recognizing tracking marks recited in claim 13, wherein theperforming of a computer function includes opening a new game based onthe recognition of the tracking mark.
 15. The system of recognizingtracking marks recited in claim 13, wherein the performing of a computerfunction includes invoking game preferences associated with the userbased on the recognition of the tracking mark.
 16. The system ofrecognizing tracking marks recited in claim 13, wherein the computergame allows the user to access game play with a second user over anetwork.
 17. A system configured to recognize tracking marks,comprising: an interactive activity device comprising: a processor; acomputer-operated recognition device including a camera; and anon-transitory computer-readable medium comprising computer-executableinstructions that when executed by the processor, cause the processor toat least: capture images of a tracking mark on an article of wear wornby a user during movement by the user within a field of view of thecamera, and wherein the movement by the user induces movement of thetracking mark; recognize with the processor, the tracking mark displayedon the article of wear from the images provided by the camera; associatequalitative information with the tracking mark; and perform at least onecomputer function based on the recognition of the tracking mark by atracking mark recognition module and the qualitative informationassociated with the tracking mark.
 18. The system of claim 17, furthercomprising: an article of wear linked to the interactive device, thearticle of wear comprising: a corrugated structure configured tocompress and expand to convert between a concealed configuration and anexposed configuration of the tracking mark on the article of wear,wherein the corrugated structure of the article of wear includes aplurality of alternating surfaces with a first subset of the pluralityof alternating surfaces including a plurality of first surfacesincluding the tracking mark and a second subset of the plurality ofalternating surfaces including a plurality of second surfaces which donot include the tracking mark, wherein when the tracking mark is in theconcealed configuration, it is not recognizable in the images, andwherein when the tracking mark is in the exposed configuration, thetracking mark is recognizable in the images.
 19. The system ofrecognizing tracking marks recited in claim 18, wherein thenon-transitory computer-readable medium further comprisescomputer-executable instructions that when executed by the processor,cause the processor to interpret the qualitative information as aninstruction.
 20. The system of recognizing tracking marks recited inclaim 3, wherein the instruction is selected from the group consistingof: an instruction to turn off the interactive activity device, aninstruction to change a type or characteristic of the interactiveactivity device, and an instruction to input alphanumeric informationinto the interactive activity device.